Éviter les erreurs classiques de ventilation en copropriété : cas réels observés à Laval
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Avoiding Common Ventilation Mistakes in Condominiums: Real Cases Observed in Laval

Poorly designed ventilation can be costly for condo owners in Laval

At AirGreen, we’ve worked with numerous condominium buildings in Laval facing major ventilation issues—sometimes invisible at first, but with consequences that quickly build up: excessive condensation, mold in ceilings, persistent odors in common areas, and high energy consumption. Only by intervening with precise, tailored solutions were we able to restore comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency in these shared living spaces.

In this article, we’re sharing real-life cases from Laval, the most common ventilation mistakes in condos, and the best practices we apply daily to ensure high-performing, durable, and code-compliant HVAC ventilation systems.


Case #1: Undersized Heat Recovery Ventilator – Fort-Rolland Street in Laval

In a six-unit building from the 1990s, a small heat recovery ventilator (HRV) was originally installed without considering the number of residents or changes made to the units (additional bathrooms, renovated kitchens with commercial hoods). The result: imbalanced airflow, persistent humidity, and odor transfer between units.

What we did:

  • A full audit of the existing system.

  • Replacement with a VENMAR EVO5 700 HRV high-capacity unit.

  • Complete airflow balancing for each room.

  • Implementation of a centralized zone control system.

Result: 90% reduction in humidity complaints in less than 3 months. The condo board also reported lower heating costs thanks to effective heat recovery.


Case #2: Poorly placed supply vents – New Residential Project in Chomedey

During a new development in Chomedey, the mechanical ventilation had been subcontracted without coordination between the HVAC installer and the architectural designers. The result: poorly placed exhaust grilles, miscalculated airflows, and discomfort in living areas.

AirGreen interventions:

  • Recalibration of airflow speeds following ASHRAE 62.1 standards.

  • Added air transfer grilles in hallways.

  • Installed acoustic grilles to minimize equipment noise.

Key takeaway: Always consult an HVAC specialist during the planning phase of any condominium project—even in new builds.


Most frequent ventilation mistakes in condominiums (to absolutely avoid)

These are the most common issues we uncover during our interventions in Laval:

  • Insufficient ventilation in shared spaces: stairwells, lobbies, and corridors often neglected.

  • Little to no HVAC maintenance: clogged filters, blocked core exchangers.

  • Unbalanced airflow between units: some units are overpressurized, causing backdrafts.

  • Non-compliance with Québec Building Code: especially regarding contaminant exhaust.


Our recommendations: proven practices from AirGreen

  • Perform a full HVAC audit every 5 years, especially after major renovations inside units.

  • Set up an annual maintenance contract for centralized air exchangers.

  • Train property managers on ventilation best practices and how to read user manuals.

  • Prioritize trusted products, like VENMAR, Fantech, or Lifebreath exchangers, all HVI certified.


Why choose AirGreen for your HVAC projects in Laval?

Our team specializes in installation, maintenance, and diagnostics of ventilation systems in multi-residential buildings, with particular expertise in central heat pumps, air exchangers, exhaust fans, and variable-speed systems. We work directly with condo boards, architects, general contractors, and property management firms.

Our concrete advantages:

  • In-depth knowledge of available grants in Laval for energy improvements (LogisVert, Rénoclimat).

  • Rapid emergency service for failing ventilation or indoor air contamination.

  • Complete technical reports for CNESST, RBQ, or condo board meetings.


AirGreen in Laval: expertise, precision, and proximity

Every condo building is a unique ecosystem. That’s why we tailor every HVAC solution to the exact configuration of the building, the number of units, intended usage (residential, mixed-use, commercial), and the existing infrastructure. In Laval, our work goes far beyond installation: we guide, train, and follow up to guarantee long-lasting results.

Are you a property manager in Laval? Contact us for a free inspection and a full diagnosis of your ventilation system.

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